The initiative, founded in 2009 by Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, highlights the most influential individuals from the black community in the sport. You can visit the official website here.

The focus of the Black List is to shine a light on the achievements of the community in football – but away from the pitch.

The Black List Awards have been held at Wembley Stadium twice, as well as the House of Lords and London Olympics HQ

It also provides an opportunity to reflect on how diverse the football’s industry is and discuss the under representation of people from African Caribbean backgrounds and how to address this issue.

A key aim of the initiative is to highlight role models – working across a wide range of positions in football – to young people to educate and encourage them to think about how they can get involved in the sport beyond the field of play.

The Black List also pays tribute to individuals making a difference within the community and at the grassroots level of the game.

The initiative – celebrating diversity in the game – has received widespread support from the football family.

The 2016 Black List will be published in The Voice Newspaper in the summer.

For further information and to find out about sponsorship opportunities please email info@LeonMann.co.uk